Basic Information

Abbreviation: SOLI (J. F. Christ, 1947)
Word length: 7,908 (C. E. Lauterbach, 1960)
First published: Collier's, December 26, 1903; Strand Magazine, January 1904

Redmond's Question

In a case that involves kidnapping, if not rape, Holmes acts not only with his professional skills but also with his fists to defend the lady's safety and honour. He also demonstrates elaborate courtesy and gallantry, and teases her a little about her legitimate love life. In this story, is he in fact the perfect gentleman—for his own era, if not for our own?